I am so far behind in telling you about all the minutiae of my life that if I save all of these things for their own individual blog post I will never catch up. Life marches endlessly onward, don’t you know? So I’m going to give you all a delicious hodgepodge of life updates in list form. Are you ready? Buckle up and let’s go!

1. Car Trouble: Part I

So, obviously you know, as I am sitting here writing this, that I am absolutely okay and in the finest of fettles, really, so don’t freak out when I tell you that I got hit by a car while running last week. I was on the sidewalk, crossing a driveway. The car pulling out of the driveway was waiting, I gave him a “thank you” nod and wave and started running in front of him when he pulled right out! I couldn’t get out of the way fast enough and he clipped me with the front passenger corner of his car. I knew I was fine, just a few scratches and bruises, so we didn’t call the police or anything. I actually continued on my run and had a really fast, satisfying tempo workout. But now I have huge bruises on my knee, both forearms, and a whip-like welt up my arm where the antenna snapped me. Unfun. It was light out and I was wearing bright colors. I really thought he saw me and that he in fact made eye contact with me. Nothing I could really have done to be safer here. Just an accident. But it sucked and it could have been worse. Sporting people and pedestrians (AND DRIVERS), be careful out there!

2. Car Trouble: Part II

Yesterday I was making a quick run to the recycling drop center with all of my various bottles, cans, and boxes, and after I sorted everything out and got back in the car to leave, it wouldn’t start. Just a frustrating clicking sound. Luckily I had brought my phone with me, which I don’t always do when I’m just dashing out for a quick errand. I called a tow truck, who got there in only 10 minutes. Of course, though, the car started just fine when he tried it. Nonetheless, I took it down to my mechanic, whom I have used for all the years I’ve lived here. He discovered that I needed a new starter AND a new battery, plus he fixed a wiring problem with my tag lights and reverse lights that has been nagging me for months. I unfortunately had to pay over $300 for all of this, which, let’s just say, is seriously cramping my style. It was fair for the parts and work though, and the lighting issue he fixed free of charge. Recommended.

3. Taper Time, Let’s Sing a Taper Tune

It’s taper time around here! That means that, as my marathon race fast approaches (12/11/10, baby!), I am doing fewer and fewer miles. The idea is to build up your endurance and then rest a bit before the race to insure fresh legs. Friday I had my longest run of the entire training program: a twenty miler. I made it two ten-mile loops around town and I couldn’t believe how well it went. The last 2-3 miles were pretty slow and I was tired as all get-out, not going to lie. But I did it. Now, I taper. Tapering is a time when runners can get a little cranky because of the reduced activity (and less of a chance to vent energy). I will still be running, but just less. I think I will do some swimming and yoga as well. Honestly, once again, tapering couldn’t come at a better time. I have an irritated hamstring and knee yet again. One day I’ll make it through a race training plan without injuring myself. One day. For now, it’s eyes forward to the big day!

4. On How I Learned Nothing in Grad School

The past couple of weekends have found me out drinking adult beverages and behaving foolishly. On one occasion, I found myself sampling the soon-to-be-banned-by-the-FDA Four Loko, a blend of malt liquor and caffeine that is said to be basically sweet, sickly death in a can. It was vile enough that my friend and I poured most of it down the drain. But then, on another occasion, I found myself face-to-face with a shot of Rumpleminze. It smelled heavenly, sure, like a peppermint patty, but I promise you the results of consuming it were much less festive. I had to enact some CSI: Apartment Edition nonsense the next morning to answer some lingering questions. Like I said, I learned nothing in grad school. Novelty alcohols and shots? NOT FOR ME, THANK YOU.